Everyone knows it's good to be a little humble sometimes. But is it possible to be humble for the wrong reasons? Can one be too humble?

As an introvert and a generally polite person, I like to be humble. I can't stand it when people are obvious braggers or know-it-all's. But I like to serve and help others. It comes naturally to be humble. But are my caring actions entirely sincere? It is possible sometimes my motive is to win the approval or attention of another.

This desire to win people over by giving an appropriate facade must not be my goal. Instead, while quietly serving others, I must want nothing in return: no attention, respect, or affection.

How does the secular world react to humility? The world would advise you to put yourself first, to pursue your dreams and passions. Do what you feel like doing and be who you feel like being. There doesn't seem to be much room for sincere humility there. If you lived by the world's guide, you would end up hurting and putting down others without so much as a second thought.

We need humility, in order to live in harmony with the rest of the people around us. So what does the Bible say? Pretty much the opposite of what the world says: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). Be humble, gentle, and patient. Even when that guy cut you off on the freeway, or when that lady insulted you? Yes! Others will do what they want because they are living for themselves. Those who obey the scripture, though, choose to love the fussy, proud people around them.The Bible even demands we "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...". Where the world says it's all about you, the Lord says don't let anything be about you. "Rather, in humility value others before yourself." (Philippians 2:3)

The demands of the scripture may seem steep. After all, how can you possibly not be selfish sometimes? It would take a lot of self-control and focus on Jesus to be able to stop thinking about yourself. In fact, the first thing Satan did to attack mankind was to make him place his desires before God's.

Thinking of coming to God in prayer, knowing I am so far from perfect, makes me anxious. But God tells us to humble ourselves before Him, and He will lift us up (James 4:10). God knows we mess up. He knows we get selfish and vain, and grow desires for earthly things. But the truth is His faithfulness and love over-powers our failures. And He has hope for us to be a light for a darkened world.